There are several questions that relate to studying fashion and fashion design, these include taking the correct subject at school, choosing the correct fashion school and securing a fashion career.

Common Fashion Design Questions

What Subjects Do I Need to Take to be a Fashion Designer?

While it’s not absolutely vital that you take all of these subjects, a selection of these subjects will certainly help you along your chosen career path.

  • Maths or maths literacy 
  • English
  • Foreign languages
  • Art
  • Consumer Studies
  • Economics or Business Studies
  • History

Read More: What Subjects Do I Need to Take to be a Fashion Designer?

What are the entrance requirement for a Fashion Degree?

  • Bachelor of Fashion Degree

The minimum admission for this degree is a National Senior Certificate or equivalent certification. This will mean at least a 30% pass for English with a 50-59% in four other subjects.

  • Diploma in Fashion

This will also require a National Senior Certificate or equivalent with a 30% English pass and 40-49% in four other subjects.

  • Non-degree courses

If you’re looking for something to build your CV or personal skills, then a non-degree course in fashion is ideal. You would still need a National Senior Certificate or equivalent to apply for these courses.

  • Short courses

For most of the fashion institution short courses, you will be required to have a Grade 7 completion, and may require certain skill sets such as sewing.

Where to Study Fashion Design?

There are many fashion design institutes ranging in price and stature, available in a range of tertiary educational facilities. Here are the three main places you can study fashion design.

  • College
  • Technikon
  • Online Fashion Courses

Read More: Where to Study Fashion Design? 

How can I be a fashion designer?

If you are considering breaking into the high-pressure fashion design industry, here are a few tips to get you on track.

  • Get a qualification
  • Get experience
  • Discover your niche
  • Start networking early
  • Compile a portfolio
  • Balance business with arts

Read More: 6 Tips to becoming a Fashion Designer

How Do I Apply for Fashion Design Courses?

Considering how in-demand these positions are, there are some steps to take to ensure you have the edge when applying for a fashion design course.

  • Get your portfolio together
  • Apply to 4 or more institutions
  • Go visit potential tertiary institutions
  • Get references wherever possible
  • Chat to recent graduates
  • Keep up on trends
  • Apprenticeships and internships

Read More: How Do I Apply for Fashion Design Courses?

How to Secure a Fashion Internship

Because there are so many people looking to land the right fashion internship, you need to make sure you stand out. Here are a few tips on how to secure that fashion internship.

  • It’s never too early to start
  • Perfect your CV and cover letter
  • Make contact
  • Expand your options
  • Personalise each application
  • Get the interview right
  • Follow up
  • Work hard but within reason

Read More: 8 Tips to Get a Fashion Internship

How Do I Start a Career in Fashion?

If you’ve considered a career in fashion, then it’s never too soon – or too late – to start. Here is some advice on to get started with a career in fashion.

  • Get the right qualification
  • Get work experience
  • Choose an area of expertise
  • Network
  • Keep up on trends
  • Don’t give up

Read More: How Do I Start a Career in Fashion?